How to have acne free skin through Ayurveda
Ayurveda is an ancient science that advocates a holistic approach to skin care that helps balance the tridoshas within the body.
The fire element of the body or the pitta dosha is said to derange digestive fire causing dryness and degeneration of skin especially during summer. It is, therefore, vital to keep the pitta in balance to reduce the intensity of heat on the skin.
Ritucharya in Ayurveda recommends the following simple techniques to keep the body hydrated in order to provide a natural glow to your skin.
MIND WHAT YOU EAT & DRINK:
According to Ayurveda, flawless beauty, whether internal or external, happens when you are able to absorb maximum nutrients from your diet naturally. It suggests that one must eat foods that have a cooling effect in the body. For example, consuming a tablespoon of gulkand, which is prepared using rose petals and sugar, is excellent in keeping the body cool, even when the temperatures are soaring. Eating soaked Manuka or black grapes reduces the effect of heat on the skin thereby helping keep acne away. Eating dried figs or dates increase the iron content in the body that depletes due to the heat at this time. One must remember to drink enough water throughout the day. Efforts must be made to cut out on caffeine and other aerated drinks. Instead fluids like coconut water, desi sherbets like thandai, shikanji, panaham, buttermilk, sugarcane juice, etc must be included on a regular basis.
USE COCONUT OIL REGULARLY:
Coconut oil is known for its cooling and soothing properties on the skin. It is light and highly moisturising and it also reduces inflammation and microbial infections on the skin. Ayurveda strongly recommends massaging the face and body with coconut oil to prevent body acne as well as summer boils. Practicing oil pulling or Gandush, with coconut oil at least twice a week in the morning is also beneficial to remove toxins from the gut directly impacting the way our skin looks.
EXFOLIATE AND CLEANSE USING NATURAL INGREDIENTS :
There are several references in Ayurveda about using aloe vera and cucumber on the skin in summer. Both these ingredients are natural skin toners and can cleanse the skin by tightening skin pores. Scoop some gel of the Aloevera and blend it with a small cucumber in a mixie with some water. Strain and spritz it across the face to keep dirt from entering your skin cells. Using ingredients like Fullers Earth or multani mitti with rose water as a face mask will also improve the natural glow of the skin. Cinnamon powder when mixed with honey and sugar in summers is also known to remove dead skin from the face and keep acne away. Using turmeric on the skin is also advised as its antiseptic properties will keep pimples and acne away. You can add a few pinches of turmeric to gram flour and make a paste using raw milk. You can apply this paste once a week to keep your skin acne and pigmentation free.
KEEP YOURSELF HYDRATED & COOL:
Hydrating your body with at least 6-8 glasses of water at room temperature daily is ideal during summers. It is also advised in Ayurveda to consume herbal teas that contain mint, lemon, cucumber or ginger as a good way to not only keep the body hydrated but also to aid digestion. Direct sun rays are bad for the skin and hence, remaining indoors during peak afternoons is suggested. Ayurveda advises that one must take a small nap during afternoon to calm the body and facilitate digestion which in turn will add to the glow of your skin.
PRACTICING ABHAYANGA:
Abhyanga or self massage using oil is strongly recommended to strengthen and cool the body from within. Oils like coconut and sesame are known to create a strong protective layer that prevents radiation from the sun’s rays. This practice not only allows for pranic energy to flow within the body, but it also stimulates blood circulation throughout.
These simple Ayurveda skincare tips, if practiced diligently will balance your doshas and heal your skin from within. Not only will your skin will glow, but it will also feel toned and radiant. It is important to note that a good lifestyle is integral for good health and that your sleep, your food and your mood, all need to be aligned in order for these practices to work. Definitely try these simple rituals this summer to discover flawless skin devoid of any acne the Ayurvedic way.
